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Photography A2 Level at Weatherhead High School

Course description

The course has been designed to enable you to develop a broad range of photographic skills and techniques through workshop based activities. You will be introduced to a number of photographic styles, from traditional portrait photography to stop frame animation, as well as industry techniques such as lighting, shutter speed and exposure.

With the skills that you develop you will have the opportunity to explore any number of ideas of your choice, combining photographic methods and processes as well as digital image manipulation.

Entry requirements

You will need to have a good standard of written English and have a genuine interest in photography.

Assessment

Art 2 Personal Investigation 30%

During the A2 you will be required to undertake a written and practical personal study of a photographer or style of photography. This will form the basis of the written element of the coursework and will run through the entire practical element of thhe A2 coursework. This means you will have the opportunity to decide your own path of study and dictate your own starting point. As with the AS, you will use sketchbooks to record the experimentation process as you explore the techniques that will inform the final portfolio of photographic work you will produce.

Art 4 Controlled Assignment 20%

As with the AS, this is externally set by the exam board, however the duration of the controlled assignment for the A2 is twelve hours. As with the coursework, you will be able to select a theme from a number of starting points set by WJEC and have the opportunity to creatively take your ideas anywhere you wish. You will have approximately six weeks to prepare for the exam and will evidence your research, experimentation and development of your final piece through the use of a sketchbook.

Future opportunities

Photography can lead to a number of career opportunities in the future, from working freelance as a photojournalist to a clinical photographer working in a hospital. Many students have gone on to work in advertising, film and TV production and graphics, while others have gone on to exhibit their work as photographers in their own right.

Further information

You will be taught by a team of specialist teachers with a broad subject knowledge and industry experience.

A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used throughout the course, including: small group work, independent research, whole class discussions, presentations, and teacher-led lessons.

Photography is a creative subject that works particularly well in combination with Media Studies and Film Studies. It also combines well with Art and Textiles but may be considered by any student with a keen interest in photography.

How to apply

If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Weatherhead High School directly.